SLED, FBI issued warrant, seized several items

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By
Monique Williams

SOUTH CONGAREE, S.C. (WOLO) -- Two top officials in the town of South Congaree are the focus of a SLED and FBI investigation. Officials raided Town Hall this week.

South Congaree's chief of police and town administrator are both on administrative leave tonight pending the outcome of a joint investigation being conducted by the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division and the Federal Bureau of Investigations.

Mayor Jerry McCormick says he was shocked to receive a call at his home yesterday from state and federal agents with a search warrant for town hall. It was virtually a ghost town inside today but McCormick says agents seized a list of about a dozen items. he would not discuss specifics. He claims it's not the town that's under scrutiny.

"I talked with the captain at SLED and he said it was not to do with procedure or funds with the town, said the town was not liable for anything, that it was two individuals they were looking at."

Those two individuals are town administrator, Melisha Shumpert and Police Chief, Jason Amodio. Both are still listed on the town's website and, combined, have been employed as town officials for more than 20 years.

"It's tough for anybody, any fellow officer, when stuff is going on," said Lt. Josh Shumpert, when asked about the seizure. "It's something that will have to be looked into. Until that time, our police department's moving forward."

SLED confirms that an investigation is ongoing, but would not discuss details. Incorporated in 1957, South Congaree, located just south of Columbia Metro Airport, has a population of just over 2,000.

At least one of those residents doesn't believe the hype.

"They're good law enforcement," said Deborah Gilmore. "I have no reason to believe otherwise unless it's proven to me."

Town Council was scheduled to hold a special called meeting tonight to discuss the case.

The comment has been submitted for review. Thank you .

I could tell u plenty about the "wonderful" PD LOL.....They are all dirty dealers and thiefs!

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